Biomaterials
Wood is probably the oldest biomaterial available, displaying attractive properties such as easy workability and high mechanical resistance (for its density), in addition to beauty and local abundance. Wood-based boards (e.g., agglomerated, MDF, OSB, hardboard, plywood), paper and some cellulose derivatives (e.g., esters and rayon) have become commodity materials and have penetrated many markets during the last century. They are all objects of our continued studies at CCTE-UDT, with an emphasis on special needs of the companies with which we collaborate to maintain or improve their competitive edge.
The R&D challenges for the 21st century are to develop and implement biomass-based technologies that will give rise to novel and alternative products. Among our main goals are collaborative efforts to develop unique materials suitable for small-scale production by small and medium-size companies. Our current thrust areas are: